Xi Jinping poised to further consolidate power at party congress

Analysts say announcement of a date for gathering suggests any in-party disputes have been reined in

The announcement of a Communist party meeting that is expected to cement Xi Jinping's agenda for the coming years shows the strength of Xi's ultimate authority", analysts have said.

The CCP's twice-a-decade meeting will begin on 16 October and is likely to run for several days. Xi, considered the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, is expected to further consolidate his political power, which he has wielded with increasing authoritarianism since taking charge of the party in late 2012.